As the sun starts to come out, more and more of us are going to be looking at improving our garden spaces and one source of inspiration we often return to is the Mediterranean. For many of us it’s a place we holiday and we wish to bring that sunshine and calming vibe back to our own spaces.
That can be a little tricker in the UK. After all, we very rarely get to see that sunshine. However, it isn’t impossible to transform your garden into a space that wouldn’t look out of place in Mallorca, Lisbon or Rhodes.
So, if you’re thinking about updating your garden and want to give it the sun-kissed Mediterranean vibe, here are five tips to help you do that…
Mediterranean Flora
Naturally, a good place to start is with the lush, aromatic plants that often thrive in the Med. Of course, you do need to be selective with this as not all plants that grow in that climate will do so in our own.
However, plants such as bougainvillaea with its vibrant shades of pink, red and purple can look splendid in our gardens, adding a touch of colour to our pergolas or trellises, while the likes of lavender, rosemary, thyme and sage can really enhance the scent of a garden.
Terracotta Pottery
Terracotta colours play a big part in a Mediterranean garden and adding pottery to your space can add a real rustic charm and authenticity. Whether you want to add large urns, smaller pots or various containers, they can be brilliant as decorative pieces or used to house flowering plants or herbs.
The warm, earthy tones of terracotta help complement the natural surroundings and can add visual interest and focal points to corners or areas of the garden.
Patio Area
A central feature to many Mediterranean gardens is a patio area where you can sit back and relax or entertain guests. These areas allow you to maximise your time in the sun and Mediterranean-inspired elements include natural stone flooring, such as Dijon limestone tiles, as well as comfortable furniture.
Colours such as blues, yellows and terracotta should be prominent, while you can consider incormporating climbing vines to provide shade and a more intimate ambiance.
Mediterranean Colour Palette
As mentioned, colour is an important part of any Mediterranean garden, taking inspiration from the sun, sea and sky.
Choose hues that reflect the natural beauty of countries like Spain, Portugal and Greece, using blues, yellows, oranges and reds and integrate them throughout your garden design, whether that be in flowering plants or in decorative features such as pots or sculptures.
Mosaic tiles are commonly found in such gardens, adding focal points as well as a more welcoming ambience to the space.
Alfresco Dining/Kitchen Area
Finally, you’ve got your patio area, now go one further with a place to cook and eat outside. Enjoying meals amidst the beauty of nature can be so comforting during the summer months. Adding a high-quality dining table and chairs to the space is important, while if you have the space, integrating a barbeque and worktops for food preparation can be a real gamechanger. You can add mosaics and Med-inspired tiles to the worktops to really transform summer culinary experiences and create the ultimate Meditteranean garden.